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Über noob, here!

Hi all! I just found your fine site. Wow, what a lot of information. To think just a few days ago all I thought all you did was go buy a Hennsey or some company I'd never heard of, Warbonnet. Did I mention I am a noob, lol?
I've been reading the site for a few days now now and I'm just swamped with confusion now. I'm not a forum newbie so I won't ask the "What's the best hammock" question. I have watched Shug's videos. One question though. Was Shug the way he is before or does hanging in woods make you that way,lol? Great vids btw Shug. I couldn't help but laugh.
I plan on mostly motorcycle camping and some bicycle camping. Since some of my camping will be on a bicycle I'm looking at something lighter but not backpacking light. Comfort is top priority for me. I'll also be a fair weather hanger nothing colder then 40 for me. Because of the warmer weather I'd like the built in bug netting. I'm 6'3" and 240 lbs. and a side sleeper.
I have been so over whelmed with info and options I don't know where to start now, lol. Oh then then add to that all the DIY options, my head is swimming.
Thanks for any direction you could point me in. I don't mind doing the research if get a direction. I feel like I have ADD. I look at one thing then all of a sudden I go "Look a squirrel".
Thanks "A confused future hanger"
Mutt

I was a shy child. Then I got tired of being quiet and in the background.
Just take your time on all this. Get a hammock. Learn to hang it properly and go from there.
Tarps are their own skill. As is backpacking or any camping skill.
Have fun but be patient.
Breathe..........
Look through the "Hammock Gear Manufacturers and Services" section and peruse.
Carry forth.....
Shug

If it makes you feel any better, I would say a very small percentage of us (like 0.000002%! ) ever stuck with our 'starter hammock' as our one and only. The absolute best way to find what's out there is to attend a Group Hang. It's been my experience that everyone is more than happy to show off their setup and share the knowledge. Welcome! Just jump in somewhere and hang on!

I have watched Shug's videos. One question though. Was Shug the way he is before or does hanging in woods make you that way,lol?

shug is special, but being out hanging in the woods does help to bring out your inner silliness.

I was a shy child. Then I got tired of being quiet and in the background.

well i never would have thought that about you. but i was also a shy child and i have long since left that guy behind.

but good luck to ya muttley, your on the verge of a mighty fine new addiction. it got me about 6 months ago and its only getting worse. tons of info on these forums and it can sure be overwhelming at first. i'm 6'4" and i'm normally a side sleeper, but in a hammock i'm more than happy on my back. just make sure you get an 11' hammock. i started with an eno double nest (before i found this forum) and it was too short for me.

edit: sodakgrrl has a good point about attending a group hang. i'd love to make it to one, but being down in MS most are a 5+ hour drive for me. since your already in NC your pretty close to a lot of them.

Here's two upcoming group events in NC and I'd like to invite you to 'em both!
You'll meet some great folks and also get to inspect and tryout lots of different hammock/tarp combinations too.
No problem if you haven't bought any gear yet - tents are welcome too, or just drop-in for a visit.
Rest assured you probably will not be the only newbie at either one

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."  John Muir

Thanks everyone! I bet you guys are right about not keeping your first hammock forever. Maybe a cheaper DIY job may be in order till I figure out exactly what I want. The group hang sound like an outstanding idea. I don't guess there would be any malted beverages at these shindigs would there?
My wife will be thrilled, another hobby to spend money on, lol!
Now I'm off to the DIY section.

I was a shy child. Then I got tired of being quiet and in the background.
Just take your time on all this. Get a hammock. Learn to hang it properly and go from there.
Tarps are their own skill. As is backpacking or any camping skill.
Have fun but be patient.
Breathe..........
Look through the "Hammock Gear Manufacturers and Services" section and peruse.
Carry forth.....
Shug

all that...and go watch EVERY vid this guy has!!!.....he ROCKS!!! for a nooby....been hangin 2 years...and still go back and watch Shugs videos!